Jaenette Jacobs has turned her lifelong dream into a reality. With over a decade in the entertainment industry, the 37-year-old South African beauty is a celebrated model, ambassador, influencer, and television personality.
Her journey began with appearances in 28 music videos, igniting a love for the camera and the glamour of show business. She was crowned Miss Gauteng, Miss Trademarx, and earned spots in FHM’s Top 100 Most Beautiful Women globally for three consecutive years.
In 2019, Jaenette gained national attention after winning Sterstatus on VIA TV — a reality show aimed at launching fresh faces into the spotlight. She returned in 2020 as the presenter for Season 2, solidifying her presence on screen.
That same year, during the pandemic, she launched her own agency — JL Artist Management & Promotions — offering management services for artists, videographers, models, motivational speakers, and more. As director, Jaenette now works both in front of and behind the scenes, shaping the careers of others while continuing her own.
She’s a sought-after host on major festival stages, a seasoned pageant judge, and a motivational figure to many. In 2024, she transformed her lifestyle, shedding nearly 15kg and training for her first half marathon — a tribute to her late father, who once coached her. “Now, 21 years later, I’m running for him,” she says. She credits her partner, Willem, for reigniting her passion for fitness and supporting her every step of the way.
Jaenette Jacobs is more than a public figure — she’s an inspiring woman of strength, resilience, and heart.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
1. Jaenette, you’ve had a remarkable journey in the entertainment industry—what initially sparked your love for the camera and performance?
Since my early high school years, I loved being in front of the camera. I used to hang curtains in my bedroom to create my own little studio and pretend to be a model. In Grade 11, I joined my first modelling school and began entering pageants after matric. A photographer spotted me and invited me on a modelling trip to Swaziland. That was the turning point—the industry saw me, and from there, I started working with so many talented photographers. I eventually appeared in FHM, won Miss Gauteng 2010 and Miss Trademarx, and things really took off. I entered more pageants, did exceptionally well in the FHM Model Search, and appeared in several newspaper features.
2. You’ve graced the pages of FHM and featured in over 28 music videos—what moments stand out most during your modelling career?
Definitely the FHM days—shooting for such a high-end brand was a dream come true. Winning my first pageant, Miss Gauteng 2010, was also a huge milestone. But the absolute highlight was winning the reality show Sterstatus in 2019/2020, which aired on VIA (Channel 147). Becoming an actual TV presenter and influencer for the show was an incredible journey, especially during a very difficult time in my life. Being part of so many music videos and working with the best in the industry also ticked a big box on my goals list.
3. Winning Sterstatus in 2019 was a major turning point—how did that experience shape your confidence and career direction?
That journey opened so many doors, and I’ll always be grateful. From the events to the sponsors, and the incredible brands that trusted me to represent them—it was all a blessing. But most importantly, it was the people. The support from women who saw me as a role model meant everything. I realised I had a voice, and I wanted to use it to uplift others. After that, I was inspired to start mentoring and supporting young talent—and that’s how my company, JL Artist & Promotions, was born.
4. Starting JL Artist Management during the pandemic was bold—what inspired you to become an entrepreneur and support others in the industry?
So many upcoming artists, models, and venue owners reached out to me asking for guidance—where to start, how to grow, what to do. It took a lot of time, and during the pandemic, we all had more time than usual. I thought, why not formalise what I’m already doing? I had the knowledge, the experience, and the tools. It just made sense to start a company and help others professionally while building something of my own.
5. You’ve recently undergone an incredible fitness transformation—what motivated you to start running again, and how has it changed your life?
Long-distance running was one of my favourite sports in high school. My dad used to drop me off between Odendaalsrus and Riebeeckstad in the Free State—about 14 km apart—and say, “Let’s run.” He followed behind me in the bakkie as I trained. Tragically, my dad passed away when I was 16, at the beginning of Grade 11, in a freak accident involving a drunk man and a firearm. After that, I stopped running. Years later, after many heartbreaks, I met someone special—my partner Willem. He believed in me and encouraged me to run again. I started in late 2024, and now I run for my dad. It’s changed my life—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
6. From beauty queen to businesswoman and marathon runner, how do you stay motivated through so many evolving roles?
Honestly, sometimes I don’t even know myself. I just sit down, pray, and hope for the next opportunity. But one thing that keeps me grounded is my training—it clears my head and keeps me focused. Having a partner like Willem who supports all my dreams, no matter how wild they are, makes a big difference. He always reminds me to take time for myself and just “be.” No pressure, no expectations—just breathe and live in the moment.
7. Looking back at nearly 15 years in the entertainment world, what advice would you give to young women hoping to follow a similar path?
Just like the Nike slogan says: JUST DO IT. Whatever makes you happy, whatever puts a smile on your face—go for it! You don’t need all the tools to start. Start small. Take baby steps. Show up. Get in the field. You won’t get opportunities sitting at home. Apply for that casting. Enter that pageant. Say yes to that R500 gig—because you never know who’s watching. One person at the right time can open doors you never imagined. Network, meet people, build connections. And most importantly—JUST DO IT.
Comments
Post a Comment